Darnell, a Democrat, said she and Chestnut, also a Democrat, are at odds over the county’s priorities, saying she believes Chestnut has an “outright disdain for the men and women of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.”

Chestnut, the chairwoman of the commission, will face Susan Baird, a Republican, on Nov. 2.

“I’m impressed with Susan Baird,” Darnell said. “I think she is bright. She has an impressive grasp of the county budget process.”

Chestnut did not immediately return a telephone message left this evening.

Morgan Watkins, a University of Florida grad, joined the Sun in August 2012 as its county government reporter. She keeps you updated on what’s happening inside county meetings and outside in local neighborhoods. If you think something might make a good story, let her know at morgan.watkins@gvillesun.com.